Today was not off to the greatest start. Elise and I had language class in the morning and language learning is a roller coaster ride. No day is ever the same though some are better than others. Today was one of the toughest days I've had so far resulting in frustration and tears. My teacher so graciously comforted me and encouraged me that my language skills will come with time and practice and I'm doing great for only being in country for a month and a half. I've enjoyed my time here so far but it has been the longest 1 & 1/2 months of my life.
Just as quickly as I became discouraged and began questioning why God decided to send me to a country where I don't speak the language, He reminded me EXACTLY why He's brought me here. Every Friday at the Daughters day center where I work, they hold a worship service that the clients attend. I usually don't work Fridays but today's service was a Christmas celebration with singing, skits, bells and Ruth (the founder of Daughters) sharing the story of Jesus' birth. I was extremely blessed to see how much joy the clients were filled with when as they listened and partook in worship of our Lord.
As Ruth so beautifully shared, Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lord's did not live an extravagant life. He was born in a manger, His family did not posses earthly status or wealth nor was He accepted by most of society. As I sat and listened, I was looking directly at the faces of those who have similarly come from "nothing" and have experienced being shunned and outcast from society. These are the people that Christ came for. Today I witnessed a miracle. Today I truly understood what it means to have the "Christmas Spirit."
After the service I stayed a bit longer and one of the clients at Daughters initiated a conversation with me and began sharing his story with me. He is a lady boy, comes from nothing, has been sexually exploited like the other clients at Daughters and began sharing what the Lord has been doing in his life. He desires to change. He desires a new life and understands that the only way that is possible is to allow God to change his heart a day at a time. Again, I was witnessing a miracle before my eyes. He was so honest, so vulnerable and desires so badly to be loved. That is the theme of the Christmas story, God's love for His children. It is the ultimate love story.
I was overjoyed on my ride home as I exchanged smiles with people in passing as I usually do. When I arrived home, my sweet Tuk Tuk driver asked me if I enjoyed my time. I expressed how I really had a great time and then began to tell him why I went. I told him it was a Christmas celebration and asked if he knew why we celebrate Christmas. He had no idea. I was able to share a bit about Jesus and how His life was the greatest gift ever given. He appeared to understand. I said "Merry Christmas Sothea!" and he replied "Merry Christmas." Though I am in an unfamiliar place this Christmas season, the Lord has comforted me with His Spirit and has blessed me with the gift of joy.
